Holland America Completes $70M Denali Lodge Renovation
The Alaska lodge renovation adds 192 guest rooms, new dining venues, and upgraded trail features ahead of its 2027 season.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Cruises
Holland America Line has completed a $70 million renovation of Denali Lodge, adding 192 new guest rooms across two newly built buildings and reimagining the main lodge and Basecamp Coffee café. The company also donated furniture from approximately 115 guest rooms to the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska.
Why it matters
The renovation expands lodging and dining capacity at Denali Lodge, while the furniture donation provides household goods to military families in Anchorage. For Alaska visitors, the upgrades change what the lodge offers during the summer cruise and travel season.
The $70 million renovation added 192 guest rooms across two new buildings. Furniture from approximately 115 guest rooms filled a 45-foot shipping container donated to the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska.
The players
Holland America Line
A cruise line owned by Carnival Corporation that operates voyages to Alaska and owns Denali Lodge.
Ethan Stowell
A Seattle-based restaurateur who serves as Holland America Line's Culinary Ambassador and helped develop the lodge's new menus.
Armed Services YMCA of Alaska
A nonprofit organization that supports military families in Alaska through programs and community services.
The details
The main lodge gained timber-frame ceilings, a river stone fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows, while Basecamp Coffee was fully reimagined and Outpost Coffee + Provisions opened as a new venue. Seating at Karstens Public House was expanded, trail signage was upgraded, and new scenic viewpoints were added along the river; menus were developed with Culinary Ambassador Ethan Stowell around Alaska and Pacific Northwest ingredients.
Timeline
Furniture donation to the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska occurred before construction began.
Denali Lodge is scheduled to open for the 2027 season in May.
Season Trajectory
The added 192 rooms and expanded dining at Denali Lodge increase the company's capacity along its Alaska route ahead of the 2027 summer season. The renovation reflects continued investment in shore-side Alaska accommodations rather than onboard capacity alone.
Travelers booking Alaska cruises for the 2027 season may encounter expanded lodging and new dining options at Denali Lodge. Planning around the May opening can help guests access the new rooms and venues.
The takeaway
Expanded lodging and dining at Denali Lodge gives Alaska visitors more options in the interior during the summer season. Travelers can check the 2027 opening schedule when planning trips that include the lodge.
What happens next
Denali Lodge is scheduled to open for the 2027 season in May, when the renovated facilities and new guest rooms become available to guests.
Further reading
For additional context on Alaska's cruise itineraries, see Cruises coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cruise Critic.
